GRID-Arendal said the government is reducing funding for plastic pollution and marine litter compared to previous years. Karen Landmark, the foundation's director, said Norway had held a clear leading role in negotiations for a global plastic agreement and had been an important bridge builder. "The international process is in a decisive phase," she said. WWF warned that cuts in aid for marine litter and rainforest protection undermine Norway's leadership in a critical phase for climate and plastic talks.
Arendal will host the Tall Ships Races in 2029, organisers said. The regatta starts in Arendal on July 1, 2029, and ends in Oslo on August 6, 2029. The route includes Delfzijl in the Netherlands, Dunkirk in France, and Esbjerg in Denmark. Arendal previously hosted the event in 2023.
Norway has since the start had a clear leading role in the work for a global plastic agreement, and has been an important bridge builder in the negotiations.
Jarand-Matias Vold Gunvaldsen from Lillesand is set to compete in the first World Championship rounds in trial in Motegi, Japan, this weekend. The venue is known as one of the most iconic arenas in the sport.
Arendals Fossekompani reported a profit of 155 million Norwegian kroner in the first quarter. The group expects revenues in line with 2025 but a significantly higher economic surplus. Å Energi delivered an underlying result of 1.2 billion kroner in the first quarter of 2026, up from 735 million kroner a year earlier. Steffen Syvertsen, group CEO, said the company achieved its strongest quarterly result.
The international process is in a decisive phase.
Both political will, professional capacity and long-term support are needed to ensure progress.